Istanbul to Host 2010 Global Spa Summit Conference

The historic Ciragan Palace Kempinski Hotel in Istanbul, Turkey, will play host to one of the world’s most prestigious spa conferences when hundreds of industry experts gather for the 2010 Global Spa Summit from May 16 to 19.

Attended by top spa, hospitality and wellness executives from around the world, the invitation-only summit is expected to attract attendees from over 40 countries. Istanbul is a natural fit for this year’s conference. It has been designated a European Capital of Culture for 2010, testament to its thousands of years of civilization that has made the city one of the world’s oldest crossroads and melting pots, and is celebrating this honor with a year-long roster of events.

Furthermore, “spa culture” is well ingrained in Turkey’s national identity, not only through traditional Turkish spas but by the country’s 1,300 natural springs that are the foundation for a health and wellness industry that dates back at least to the Roman Empire.

A variety of interactive sessions are scheduled for the 2010 Global Spa Summit, including panel-led discussions, small-group breakout sessions, and a Student Strategy challenge that pits top students from the University of California’s School of Architecture against counterparts from Istanbul Technical University’s Department of Architecture, as the students compete to build the “spa of the future.”

The summit also includes optional pre- and post-conference familiarization visits to several of Istanbul’s historic sites as well as opportunities to experience one of the city’s authentic hamams. Excursions to other landmark Turkish spas and natural thermal springs destinations are also available on a limited basis.